Interior Designer vs Industrial Designer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Interior Designer
Create functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces for residential and commercial clients.
Industrial Designer
Design products that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and manufacturable.
Industrial Designer earns more on average — the national median is $17,000/year (26%) higher than a Interior Designer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Interior Designer vs Industrial Designer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Interior Designer | Industrial Designer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $97,285 | $119,079 | Interior $21,794 |
| New York, NY | $76,543 | $100,335 | Interior $23,792 |
| Seattle, WA | $93,498 | $113,779 | Interior $20,281 |
| Austin, TX | $74,273 | $93,901 | Interior $19,628 |
| Chicago, IL | $70,530 | $88,520 | Interior $17,990 |
| Boston, MA | $83,904 | $109,287 | Interior $25,383 |
| London, UK | £50,589 | £64,902 | Interior $14,313 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$88,063 | CA$110,209 | Interior $22,146 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Interior Designer or Industrial Designer earn more?+
A Industrial Designer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Interior Designer is $65,000/year, compared to $82,000/year for a Industrial Designer — a difference of $17,000 (26%).
Which has better career growth — Interior Designer or Industrial Designer?+
Interior Designer roles are growing at 5% YoY while Industrial Designer demand is growing at 10% YoY. Industrial Designer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Interior Designer to Industrial Designer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Interior Designer or Industrial Designer?+
Industrial Designer has a lower AI automation risk (25% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.